Christie declares state of emergency ahead of storm

In anticipation of the severe winter weather expected to arrive in New Jersey late Tuesday and early Wednesday, Governor Chris Christie declared a State of Emergency.

The state of emergency authorizes the State Director of Emergency Management to continue coordinating the preparation, response and recovery efforts for the storm with all county and municipal emergency operations and governmental agencies. Governor Christie also authorized the closing of state offices on Wednesday, February 5th for all non-essential employees.

"Tonight's winter weather is expected to produce snow and ice, creating hazardous travel conditions and affecting areas throughout the state that are already recovering from yesterday's storm," said Governor Christie. "I've authorized state officials to continue all necessary actions to assist, and my Administration will continue monitoring conditions throughout the remainder of the storm. I encourage all New Jerseyans to drive carefully and remain off the roads if possible so that our first responders and public safety officials can safely respond to any emergency situations."

The storm is expected to continue into Wednesday afternoon, bringing additional snow and ice to areas that experienced significant snowfall during Monday's storm. A potential mixture of hazardous travel conditions, fallen trees, power outages and flooding are anticipated.

New Jersey Transit has adjusted its service schedule for Wednesday and advised riders to build additional time into their travel plans.

Rail Service: NJ TRANSIT will operate trains on a storm schedule on all rail lines except the Atlantic City Rail Line, which will operate a regular weekend schedule. Service levels on the storm schedule will match the enhanced holiday schedule normally implemented on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Presidents' Day.

Bus Service: While every effort will be made to continue operating bus service systemwide on a regular weekday schedule, customers may experience delays, detours or service adjustments on certain routes in the event of significant snowfall or ice accumulation. Customers are advised to plan accordingly and allow additional travel time, as buses will be subject to local road conditions.

Light Rail Service: NJ TRANSIT will operate regular weekday scheduled service on the RiverLINE as well as Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. Newark Light Rail will operate on a modified weekday schedule with service every ten minutes during the morning peak period. All light rail customers should expect delays in service, particularly during the morning commute.

Access Link Paratransit Service: On Wednesday, February 5, Access Link service will be suspended statewide until 12 noon. In addition, all transfer trips will be cancelled statewide. Access Link customers may call 1-800-955-2321 for periodic weather updates.

To give customers additional travel options during winter weather conditions, NJ TRANSIT has implemented full systemwide cross-honoring on Wednesday, enabling customers to use their ticket or pass on an alternate travel mode, rail, light rail or bus, including private bus carriers.

All NJ TRANSIT rail station buildings and waiting rooms will remain open, including evenings and overnight, through Wednesday, February 5.